FORMULATION

Abstract: An iterative linear stochastic pavement management model is proposed that deploys a nonhomogenous discrete-time Markov chain for predicting the future pavement conditions for a given pavement network. A nonhomogenous transition matrix is constructed to incorporate both the pavement deterioration rates and improvement rates. The pavement deterioration rates are simply the transition probabilities associated with the deployed pavement states. The improvement rates are mainly the maintenance and rehabilitation variables representing the deployed maintenance and rehabilitation actions. A decision policy is formulated to identify the optimal set of maintenance and rehabilitation actions and their respective timings, and to provide the optimal level of maintenance and rehabilitation funding over an analysis period. The nonhomogenous Markov chain allows for a distinct maintenance and rehabilitation plan ͑matrix͒ for each time interval ͑transition͒. However, the total number of ma...

Les dispersions sont des systemes formes d’un liquide dans lequel sont immergees des petites particules solides. Il existe differents types de dispersion, qui sont majoritairement utilisees comme intermediaire de fabrication. Mais ces dispersions sont complexes a utiliser car elles ne sont jamais stables et possedent des proprietes mecaniques, optiques et physico-chimiques originales. Ainsi le formulateur, par son action sur les compositions des deux phases, doit obtenir une dispersion dont les proprietes d’usage justifient les efforts deployes lors de sa fabrication.

The two-part article aimed to investigate poloxamer 407-based microspheres as a novel platform for enhancing and controlling the delivery of atenolol across the oromucosal tissue. In the Part I of the work, atenolol-loaded poloxamers 407 microparticles were prepared by the solvent free spray congealing technology. This approach was feasible upon the high viscosity of the systems allowing for high loaded (20% w/w) non-aggregated microspheres. Several formulations were studied and the results demonstrated that the drug release patterns, solubility data, mucoadhesion to buccal tissue and gelling properties in saliva could be modified by adding different amount of an amphiphilic polymer-lipid excipient (Gelucire(®) 50/13) to poloxamer 407. Particularly, microspheres based only on poloxamer 407 exhibited very high solubility, mucoadhesive strength and gelling behaviour. To assess their potential as matrix for buccal application, the gelling property and the drug release from tablets obta...

Alpha-tocopherol (AT) is the vitamin E homologue with the highest in vivo biological activity. AT protects against the carcinogenic and mutagenic activity of ionizing radiation and chemical agents, and possibly against UV-induced cutaneous damage. For stability consideration, alpha-tocopherol is usually used as its prodrug ester, alpha-tocopherol acetate (ATA), which once absorbed into the skin is hydrolyzed to alpha-tocopherol, the active form. The objective of this research was to characterize in vitro the permeation properties of ATA from various solutions and gel formulations. Permeation studies were conducted using modified Franz diffusion cells and human cadaver skin as the membrane. Specifically, 5% (w/w) alpha-tocopherol acetate was formulated in the following vehicles: ethanol, isopropyl myristate, light mineral oil, 1% Klucel gel in ethanol, and 3% Klucel gel in ethanol (w/w). The receiver temperature was 37 degrees C. Samples from the receiver were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8...

The interaction of liposome formulations, prepared with phospholipids of different origins (egg and soya), with skin were compared in terms of their effects on skin water content, skin barrier function, and skin elasticity. Short-term effect of four different liposome formulations and two references during 3.5 h was investigated non-occlusively on the volar side of the forearm of 10 volunteers, ranging in age from 24 to 32 years. Liposomes composed of different phospholipids showed differing effects on skin humidity. The maximal effect was achieved within 30 min and constant values were reached after 1.5 h for all formulations, however values remained significantly higher than without treatment (p<0.05) during the whole application time. The best results were obtained with liposome formulations prepared from egg phospholipids, which exhibited a 1.5-fold increase in skin water content (p<0.05), whereas liposome formulations prepared from soya phospholipids showed no advantage c...

This article describes a modification of the conventional membrane crystallization technique in which a membrane is used to dose the solvent/antisolvent composition to generate supersaturation and induce crystallization in a drug solution. Two operative configurations are proposed: (a) solvent/antisolvent demixing crystallization, where the solvent is removed in at higher flow rate than the antisolvent so that phase inversion promotes supersaturation and (b) antisolvent addition, in which the antisolvent is dosed into the crystallizing drug solution. In both cases, solvent/antisolvent migration occurs in vapor phase and it is controlled by the porous membrane structure, acting on the operative process parameters. This mechanism is different than that observed when forcing the liquid phases through the pores and the more finely controllable supersaturated environment would generate crystals with the desired characteristics. Two organic molecules of relevant industrial implication, like paracetamol and glycine, were used to test the new systems. Experiments demonstrated that, by using antisolvent membrane crystallization in both configurations, accurate control of solution composition at the crystallization point has been achieved with effects on crystals morphology.

This article describes a modification of the conventional membrane crystallization technique in which a membrane is used to dose the solvent/antisolvent composition to generate supersaturation and induce crystallization in a drug solution. Two operative configurations are proposed: (a) solvent/antisolvent demixing crystallization, where the solvent is removed in at higher flow rate than the antisolvent so that phase inversion promotes supersaturation and (b) antisolvent addition, in which the antisolvent is dosed into the crystallizing drug solution. In both cases, solvent/antisolvent migration occurs in vapor phase and it is controlled by the porous membrane structure, acting on the operative process parameters. This mechanism is different than that observed when forcing the liquid phases through the pores and the more finely controllable supersaturated environment would generate crystals with the desired characteristics. Two organic molecules of relevant industrial implication, like paracetamol and glycine, were used to test the new systems. Experiments demonstrated that, by using antisolvent membrane crystallization in both configurations, accurate control of solution composition at the crystallization point has been achieved with effects on crystals morphology.

Nine formulations to be used as stick bases were manufactured using sodium stearate, propyleneglycol, and water, adding different concentrations of the following conditioning agents: octyldodecanol, PPG-5-ceteth-20, and PPG-15-stearyl ether. Free-choice-profile methodology was used to select the most adequate concentration of the agents in order to improve sensory properties. The sensory descriptors were grouped into four categories: stick aspect, sensations during application, sensations immediately after application, and sensations five minutes after application. Formulations containing 4% and 6% octyldodecanol and 2% PPG-15-stearyl ether were considered inadequate, since they showed unwanted qualities such as exudation, a slow absorption rate, high oiliness, and residue. Formulations containing 2% octyldodecanol; 2%, 4%, and 6% PPG-5-ceteth-20; and 4% and 6% PPG-15-stearyl ether presented different characteristics regarding the four categories of descriptors evaluated, all of the...

This paper presents x-ray powder diffraction data for over 200 synthetic organic pigments. These pigments, most manufactured in the last 130 years, are frequently found in modern works of art. Their identification is of interest in the field of art conservation for the purposes of dating works of art as well as making conservators and curators aware of issues with lightfastness and solubility. Most classes of these pigments, including β-naphthol, Naphthol AS, mono- and di-arylide yellows, quinacridones, copper phthalocyanines, benzimidazolones, and perylenes give good diffraction data. Some pigments, including certain triarylcarbonium and some other metal containing pigments, especially aluminum containing pigments, were found not to diffract. X-ray powder diffraction is of great use in distinguishing polymorphs of pigments such as quinacridones and copper phthalocyanines.

Three formulations of bologna were prepared, differing only by the lean meat used: (1) ostrich meat from Iliofibularis muscle (fan thigh), (2) ostrich meat from Femorotibialis medius muscle (tip thigh), and (3) beef meat from Subscapularis muscle (shoulder). Physical, chemical, and sensory analyses were made. The final products formulated with ostrich meat, although having a dark appearance, were acceptable in chemical composition and other sensory characteristics. The low fat and high protein content for ostrich bolognas will help to ensure that, if marketed in sufficient quantities, ostrich meat can successfully compete with other healthy meat products. The ostrich meat (Iliofibularis muscle) formula reached the highest general quality scores in the sensory evaluation.

Squash is a type of fruit beverage containing at least 25% fruit juice or pulp and 40-50% total soluble solids, commercially. It also contains about 1.0% acid and 350ppm Sulphur dioxide or 600ppm sodium benzoate. It is diluted before serving. Cane juice is a naturally high energy drink which makes it a healthy alternate to refined sugar added drink. Sugarcane is one of the world's most important sugar crops cultivated in tropical countries like India. Tender coconut is one of the most abundant and naturally occurring resource which is used as food and beverage. The present investigation was carried out to formulate Squash with Sugarcane juice and Coconut water and orange juice, and to evaluate the overall acceptability of squash in prepared three samples comparing with control. We got significant values, the score for colour was found highest in sample B compared with other samples. The score for flavour was found highest in sample B as compared to other samples of Squash. Overall acceptability was observed as highest in sample and is preferred than control. Among different samples of Squash prepared, sample B was more acceptable in terms of its Organoleptic evaluation. The formulated sugarcane Squash is highly preferable to people suffering from urinary infections.

What is currently needed for optimal use of medicinal cannabinoids is a feasible, nonsmoked, rapid-onset delivery system. Cannabis “vaporization” is a technique aimed at suppressing irritating respiratory toxins by heating cannabis to a temperature where active cannabinoid vapors form, but below the point of combustion where smoke and associated toxins are produced. The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Volcano vaporizer in terms of reproducible delivery of the bioactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by using pure cannabinoid preparations, so that it could be used in a clinical trial. By changing parameters such as temperature setting, type of evaporation sample and balloon volume, the vaporization of THC was systematically improved to its maximum, while preventing the formation of breakdown products of THC, such as cannabinol or delta-8-THC. Inter- and intra-device variability was tested as well as relationship between loaded- and delivered dose. It was found that an average of about 54% of loaded THC was delivered into the balloon of the vaporizer, in a reproducible manner. When the vaporizer was used for clinical administration of inhaled THC, it was found that on average 35% of inhaled THC was directly exhaled again. Our results show that with the Volcano a safe and effective cannabinoid delivery system seems to be available to patients. The final pulmonal uptake of THC is comparable to the smoking of cannabis, while avoiding the respiratory disadvantages of smoking. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 95:1308–1317, 2006